Commemorative Plaque at King Fisher beach, honoring more than 25 years of community Sunrise Services. Created by Darrell and Jo Beth Staff and Eclipse Tinting & Glass and erected by the Port O’Connor Community Service Club.

Easter Sunrise Service at Kingfisher Beach is a fine tradition in POC. Somewhere between 600-700 people joined together to celebrate the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday over 2000 years ago. People came from as close as across the street and as far as 1,800 miles away to be a part of this special time. Locals, Weekenders, Snowbird Texans, POC children and grandchildren, families and extended families anxiously plan and await the worshipful experience of Easter Sunrise at the Beach.

The POC Service Club erected a stonework cross and commemorative plaque to honor more than 25 years of joining together for this traditional celebration. The beautiful stone cross, reminiscent of Jesus’ empty stone tomb, was created and donated by local artisans Darrell and Jo Beth Staff. The graphics work on the plaque was graciously donated by Eclipse Tinting and Glass of Port Lavaca owners Mike and Tammy Ward and their amazing daughter Cassie.
Doyle Adams and his precious son, who comes yearly to help, and men of First Baptist Church were up well before the dawn as they are every year to set up the sound system and chairs for the services. Cathy Osborne of Cathy’s Restaurant worked early before closing on Easter to provide homemade cinnamon rolls for those attending. Fisherman’s Chapel members brought coffee and juice, cookies and rolls and then served with a smile to start the day. (A special shout out to Susie, James and John for serving.)

Pastors Donnie Martin of 1st Baptist and Ernie McDonough of Fisherman’s Chapel, Raymond Grant and the melodious acapella choir of 1st Baptist all rose early and planned carefully and prepared well to share their heart, their music and their message so early that morning.

Someone asked me who to thank for the lovely morning. I want to thank each of these people. I also want to thank our community. It is a rare treat to see such a gathering of hope, love and joy in today’s world… The group that gathered crossed boundaries of every type including cultural, generational, geographical, and religious. There was no indication of who you associated with or those you didn’t. It was simply neighbors and friends gathered to celebrate a world changing historical event that offers hope, opportunities to give to others and for many, a reason for life. More importantly, there was unity in joy of the morning, differences did not separate and opinions did not cause avoidance.

Despite the fog and mosquitoes, humidity and chill, the atmosphere of sharing was warm and caring and greetings between old friends and friends not yet known was open and easy. Even in a small community, that is a reason for celebration, and may speak to the strength of the message of new hope and new beginnings inherent in the life of Jesus and the celebration of His resurrection. The morning was indeed a sunny one in our small town even without the sun appearing.

So when you are thanking those who worked to coordinate our Sunrise Services, don’t forget to thank God that we still have the opportunity to live where such a celebration is possible.